Onboard the Saab 340 - REX Airlines - Moruya - Merimbula - Sydney

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Thanks for watching everyone. As I mentioned in the video, I am booked on the inaugural 737 flight next Monday and I hope to get the video online in the mid/late afternoon. I'm travelling in economy initially and then returning to Sydney in business class so it'll make for an interesting comparison. Follow me on social media during the day (on Instagram mostly) and keep an eye out for the first (of two) videos in the afternoon.

[@ManmohanMohanty]

Wao!! See you there Paul!!

[@jasongarufi8187]

Looking forward to your review of Rex's first Sydney-Melbourne flight

[@TheCpage66]

Good stuff Paul...will be looking forward to your review of their product

[@ManmohanMohanty]

@AV484 Channel AU see you guys there! it's going to be a bonanza!

[@Aprilsraven629]

I've flown this service many times, as someone who has a medically diagnosed fear of flying I found it a very good service, friendly attentive crew were most helpful, it was comfy, the pilots did there best to avoid turbulence even going out over the sea...highly recommend Rex

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Thanks for sharing!

[@joesantamaria5874]

My wife and I flew a REX Saab from Melbourne to Burnie TAS. It was a memorable and comfortable flight. We loved the sheepskin seat covers!

[@GenkisTravels]

The views of the coast are beautiful. I've made the mistake of flying on the Saab 340 next to the engine. It was extremely loud. lol

[@PaulStewartAviation]

You gotta watch out for those props too :)

[@bishwatntl]

@@PaulStewartAviation I had the chance to compare the Saab 340B against its bigger, younger brother the Saab 2000 on flights in Scandinavia in the 1990s. The 340 was a noisy beast, whereas the 2000 had white noise generators so it was jet-like in comparison - much more comfortable and so quiet.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

@@bishwatntl I think that the white noise generators were made an option on the 340B and standard on the 340B Plus.

[@lmlmd2714]

Stunning part of the world. Easy to forget how beautiful the south is.

[@steveplanesnlego9055]

Thanks for vlog. Our area definitely needs the help. Our last couple of years has been tough, firstly the Tathra fire then last years disaster. I think 65,000 visitors were told to go home in the evacuation. A lot of money to our small region. With QantasLink and Rex flying in it will really help the local economy. An hour to sydney, 80 minutes to melbourne . We are the perfect destination. Thanks again Paul for a great video and shining a light on our region.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Steven!

[@ruz1957]

Gorgeous views of our coastline Mr Stewart....my compliments on another excellent video. 😊👍

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Thanks Joe

[@adventuresofaidan3541]

That aircraft VH RXN is 31 years old today and it’s still going great.

[@charlescampion9898]

For once Paul, I can add something useful! This time last year, my wife and i were staying with friends in Merimbula, and it is a very special place to visit. Superb beaches, great food, lovely vibe; and we will definitely go back. As we sit in a covid ravaged UK, we are planning/hoping for another Aussie adventure in 2022. Think positive !

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Stay safe over there Charles!

[@andrewhumes3402]

Total shit airline. Leaving children stranded. Shame

[@quandepzai2010]

Butter landing

[@bluejhaygrl]

Im flying this airline for the first time next week..Moruya to Sydney to Brisbane. I have the SAAB for the first flight and the Boeing for the second...im looking forward to it..thankyou for the video.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Safe flight Rebecca!

[@karenshergold6410]

Flying on one of these babies next Friday to visit my Dad in Coffs Harbour now that we can travel Regional. Thankyou so much for your review... I'm a little nervous but super excited to 1 - see my Dad after 13 months and 2- I love Flying ! Love your videos 😃

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Enjoy! :) No need to be nervous as the Saab 340s are very safe and reliable aircraft. :)

[@sainnt]

In the US, the Saab 340 is operated by Silver Airways. I haven't had the opportunity to fly on one but my brother has, and he said it wasn't bad.

[@theharper1]

Thanks for the video! I hope people support REX. We need more competition in Australia not less, so I hope people support them.

[@karlbrown2000]

Love the look of those Saabs

[@sp4263]

Nice shot of those skydivers landing at start of the clip. Though, having skydived, I believe in what pilots say " Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?!"

[@SaturnCanuck]

That was great Paul. I just saw this video today. Love SAABs. Oh and the cars they also developed self-deforming bumpers and door impact beams.

[@thomas.oc93]

Very informative ..great video !!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tpplatfzft]

I just bought a ticket from SYD to MEL via MIM, will travel again with my daughter, very excited 😆

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Safe flight!

[@rivetandbrodie]

Something a lot of people don’t know is that’s quieter in the rear of a turboprop so good choice in seating

[@JoseHernandez-xn6tp]

I have flown the SAAB 340 years ago on American Eagles opérated by Executive Airlines ( ceased operations) from Miami in the USA 🇺🇸 inter Florida routes and I love the sound of the engines are music to my ears

[@gfrede1]

I love your video! The views are spectacular! It brings back good memories of my days flying the Saab 340 in the Florida and the Bahamas for Silver Airways. It was a tank of an aircraft. A bit underpowered, but it was a fun plane to fly. I loved it!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers mate

[@kamransyed8205]

Love Rex✈️ Really enjoyed it.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers

[@arokh72]

For any budding pilots watching this, REX offers a cadetship program for those without any flight experience. There are some big caveats with the program (such as relocation to Wagga NSW, $25k up front payment, and a 7 year employment contract, just to name 3 examples), so for those interested it's best to read up and do your research before applying.

[@4evertrue830]

Do you know if they will take non citizens/foreigners who want to become pilots?

[@ph89787]

Always love flying the Saab 340.

[@davidcartwright5591]

Good to see a flight review of a “ proper “ aeroplane , one with those whirly things on the wings . I do like flying in real planes in the cloud , that’s where the action is . Thanks Paul , a great vlog .👍

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers David

[@sktfan3843]

REX airline is the way to go. The new kid on the block, let support Regional routes via REX airlines.

[@ALFAGOMMA]

Merimbula is a favourite place for me, and easily reached from my home town of Melbourne. Been there many times, firstly as a child in 1968, and more recently with my family. My sister lives up the coast in Moruya so it was good to see these places in your video.

[@rickmethven9589]

I was the guy who sold the first Saab 340 in Australia to Kendall Airlines in 1983. The 340 was NOT developed in the 1970's but in the early 1980's in a joint venture with Fairchild. SAAB had in the late 70's started development of a 4 abreast turboprop but wanted more civil exoerience so made the joint venture with Fairchild and brought in myself and Alan Buley from Fokker aircraft to start the development and marketing of the SF340 in 1980. Rick Methven

[@keithsmith4059]

Great vlog as always. Living in Wagga Wagga the Rex story was pivotal to the city post the Ansett demise. Don Kendall & Max Hazelton set the foundation of the airline with their named airlines based in Wagga & Central NSW. Kendall had the fabulous CRJs running as a twin ‘hot end’ jet. It was ‘slippery’ as I often flew MEL LST. Sad at the Ansett demise to see several park at WGA before being repatriated to Bombardier in Canada. Good luck, fair skies to REX as they embark on the Golden Triangle.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Keith

[@janetbruce2430]

Thanks Paul for the usual interesting and helpful commentary as well as some nice footage of the coast of southern NSW. It makes one keen to get into the air again! Looking forward to the video of the coming inaugural flight of of the 737 flight this coming Monday. Well done again!

[@COLINJELY]

Recently flew REX from Sydney back to Melbourne, no complaints

[@adamclayson5347]

Great vid again Paul thanks!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Adam

[@jasondallsy9413]

REX Pilots And Especially The Flight Attendents Are The Best.

[@artyjaycayairlines]

Qantas

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Yep they're great

[@artyjaycayairlines]

@@PaulStewartAviation but Qantas is better

[@joshuaschulzy]

@@artyjaycayairlines yeah

[@andrewhumes3402]

Just don't leave them in charge of a child. They don't care

[@CB-ke5ev]

Once again Paul you've made a fascinating video! Wow Merimbula looks beautiful, Sydney less so... :) I'm looking forward to your REX videos next Monday! Take care

[@PaulStewartAviation]

cheers - I'm looking forward to it too!

[@SankoCB]

Many years ago I flew from Sydney to Canberra on a 340B and the weather and flight were choppy to say the least. I absolutely loved it and was sitting there giggling as we bounced around. Best rollercoaster ride money can buy. Some of my fellow passengers that day would disagree, however.

[@hughrothwell7522]

What a beautiful part of the world. Great review, mate.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

cheers Hugh

[@bwc1976]

Little turboprops like this and the Embraer 110 and 120 are so cute and fun! I would have liked to be able to hear the engines during takeoff though.

[@adventuresofaidan3541]

I live in the Bega valley on the far south coast I go to Merimbula all of the time I only live 20 minutes inland from Merimbula it’s a beautiful coastline. I’ve been living here for 17 years

[@adventuresofaidan3541]

I’m 18 now

[@halitosis75]

Support REX folks. Looking forward to flying up to Sydney next week for a few night.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Absolutely - they won't keep flying these routes if people don't buy tickets.

[@myfishin78]

love the vids bro keep up the fantastic work

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Glad you like them!

[@stoptheplanetiwantoff6906]

I absolutely love turboprop aircraft.

[@eutimio2963]

As always what a pleasure to fly with you around Australia... Thanks a lot Paul!!!!

[@SuperEdge67]

The Saab Viggen is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built.

[@oldflyer1743]

Love it Paul!

[@steveplanesnlego9055]

Merimbula has just been reseated and extended, larger aircraft welcome 🙏…6 weeks and a few extra days due to the long wet. Can’t wait to fly out in 2 weeks to Sydney.

[@dan_b2k217]

Nice video Paul Stewart. Liked. The New REX Airlines RXA Boeing 737-800 (VH-RQC) looks very neat.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers mate - yep it looks great

[@2adrianpo]

Another great insight into an aircraft & airline that I don’t normally fly. I also checked out you two 737 inaugural flights economy & business ,, they were both interesting

[@yiannis847]

Nice one Paul, great video and very insightful Rex are a decent airline and it’s great that they’re expanding their network..the Saab can fly on the smell of an oily rag. Awesome views btw

[@letsseeif]

A relative flew SAAB 340s for REX based in Melbourne and often had flown return to Mildura and also King Island return before lunchtime.(Later A320's & as a Widebody ETOPS Captain, - that's another story). Also. In the Nineteen Sixties, I always holidayed at Tuross Heads by flying (as the pilot) from Melbourne to Moruya Heads Aerodrome, using Cessna 182s, Cessna 210 Centurians and Piper Twins. Sometimes direct via NDB's with some VOR/DME's, and/or DR, and oftimes via Merimbula and Mallacoota (VIC). In those days, ANSETT AIRLINES OF NSW flew the REX routes using arguably better larger quieter same speed, Fokker F27 Friendships. Thanks for your video review. Many tourist will be watching, they won't just be Aussies.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers mate

[@robertbauers2210]

I was a Flight Attendant for a Delta Connection Carrier, Business Express. They flew the Saab-330. I liked the Saab. I think SOME OF Business Express’s Saab’s went on to fly with REX. Business Express was bought by American Eagle (Envoy Airlines)

[@gpierre90]

That looked like a very nice flight with a couple of nice views. Unfortunately COVID 19 has affected all of us. Here in Seychelles my home island archipelago, we've been hit very hard as our economy is mostly tourism. Loads of flights has cancelled with only a few eg Emirates, Qatar and sometimes Ethiopian airlines operating. Hopefully with vaccination this virus would be controlled and we can once again take to the skies. I love Australia, Having visited WA, VIC and NSW and I would definitely love to visit again, I know that there are more places to visit so your videos offer a window to see these places, airports and planes. I Love flying and love planes. Hope to see more of those videos and hopefully one day I just might visit these places.

[@tawtsai]

Dang, I think I've been living in Seattle for too long... I kept waiting for the dreadful weather that Paul spoke of to appear! Looks to me like a fine day here in Seattle with glimpses of *gasps* sunshine!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

hahah yes I don't think I've ever had good weather in Seattle haha

[@tawtsai]

@@PaulStewartAviation You'll have to come here sometime between mid-July and mid-September mate (provided there are no nearby wildfire). Gorgeous weather with no rain, and all the sceneries you could possibly enjoy!

[@percyppenguin8687]

Anyone else see all the parachutes landing in the back during the opening monologue?

[@margaretroselle8610]

I’ve always been a fan of the Saab. Nice looking little plane, though, as you said, it is noisy. Super video thanks.

[@willdurand4026]

Another excellent video Paul🤙🤙

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Will

[@johnforster5312]

Regarding the Active Noise Cancelling system, you can tell which Saabs have it and which ones don't by whether they have a row of speakers in the overhead panels and also near the bottom of the sidewall panels or not. These are the most obvious part of the ANC system. This aircraft RXN doesn't have this system fitted.

[@PhysicsAirline]

Nice review. I cant wait for the Rex 737 report as I plan to take a trip down to Melbourne later in the year on them. Also, only Saab 340B+ built after 1994 had noise cancelling but according to a Rex engineer on Facebook they've all been disabled to reduce costs.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers mate although Wiki said rhat the noise cancellation was optional in the standard B although Rex may not have selected that. Interesting about it being turned off to reduce costs. Surely it wouldnt cost money to operate it once it’s installed?

[@seanhanlon1367]

Great video! Looking forward to the REX 737 vlog!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Sean

[@williamcopelin4513]

awesome work

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@debramage739]

Flown Rex a few times, always a good flight. Ps, when the blades look like they are standing still amazes me.

[@timothydewa9096]

It reminds me of HS-748 aircraft, operating by BOURAQ.

[@rusty4827]

Yes I saw the parachute landing in the background and hoped it wasn't a bad sign of maybe the pilot on the previous REX flight. No the SAAB's look a very safe and reliable aircraft. The SAAB's remind me of the Brasilia's that Skywest used to operate.

[@bwc1976]

Both the Saab and the Brasilia are beautiful! Also the Brasilia's older brother the Bandeirante.

[@leighchristopher7992]

As always Paul, another great video. I’m looking forward to your 737 Rex review.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Leigh

[@zacharywilliams9693]

Cruising at 4800 feet haha that’s great !

[@45-Subscribers]

Flew it for 5 years. Great airplane!

[@PASGOD2010]

Sky Express is a regional airline company in Greece, used to have some Jetstream 41s, and it was almost the same with this one SAAB 340... nowadays, sky has mainly ATR's and recently get some new A320 neo's.

[@tacitdionysus3220]

An excellent review. I've always thought Merimbula, and the whole Sapphire Coast area ,is a real gem. It seems to be better known to Canberrans than Sydney-siders though. There are so many places in NSW that are so stunning. In any more populated part of the world, they would all be major attractions. I'm making a point in my latter years of touring many of the 'off the highway' roads through delightful little towns and villages that the state has to offer. Sadly most overseas tourists (remember them?) never get much past Sydney Harbourside sights. The bush fires were certainly serious, but with only 6% of the state's area actually burnt, it isn't quite like the 'all Australia is on fire' media grab. And where there were fires, the often remarkable ability of the Australian bush to bounce back is an wondrous attraction in itself. Good luck with promoting tourism is areas such as this that could really use it and deserve it. Looking forward to the report of the first REX 737 flight.

[@fjphoto23]

I love turbo props.

[@davidp1288]

There is something about turbo props that somehow seems quaint but only for short haul. Great view of the prop, landing gear, and flaps from your seat as well. Looking forward to Monday’s journey on the jet offering. It will be interesting to see if Rex can compete with the likes of Qantas going forward.

[@graemebanks6298]

Thanks Paul another great review........it would be great if Qantas and Rex would go into an airfare battle on Albury to Sydney route to drop prices

[@zakelwe]

Great review as always Paul. I love little prop jobs duking it out with the weather at lower altitudes, it is flying! Looking forward to your jet age Rex review, no doubt you will get them down to a T.... I thought I'd get that P. Stewart type joke in first before others ....

[@ronlucock3702]

Always interesting & entertaining Paul, even for a 2 year old video. Although I suspect you had your camera trained on the port engine the whole time just in case the props did a runner again! Also surprised you didn't make a joke about the parachutists in the background in your opening scene.... something like, "here's the flight arriving now & the passengers disembarking" or " here's some passengers arriving from an express flight that doesn't actually land to save time..."

[@Aviation_legacy]

Rex has really nice flight attendants whe we flew to Albury with rex they let me sit in the cockpit

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cool to get in the cockpit! Lucky you!

[@Aviation_legacy]

The registration vh-rxx

[@hamishmcdonald7275]

There is always something so ethereal about flying a turboprop, The connection, the propellors, the rawness, the noise! Paul, you captured all of this so well. Look fwd to your take on the Rex golden triangle offering.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Hamish, and I agree about the props. Yep I'm looking forward to Monday :)

[@anthonyjohn3202]

The ONLY plane I have ever been airsick (as were many others) was on one of these!!!

[@60frederick]

Thank you, Paul, for sharing your awesome video with us. I was watching out of the window each second - it was like being on holidays in Australia for me. i do hope that you will be soon flying again because there would be soon after it another flight report to watch on KZbin. Thank you, Paul!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markrichmond4796]

Merimbula is fantastic.....also home to some of the best tasting oysters in the world! I flew Rex to Broken Hill some years ago for a tv shoot....they were very accommodating, especially as I was travelling with an Eastern Brown Snake in the hold😀😂🐍

[@88sandman]

Lovely shots of the descent at Sydney through the clouds 👍 your videos are very enjoyable. Good work mate!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Sundeep

[@rivetandbrodie]

It’s a nice plane, flew on them a lot in the 90s when Calm Air used them between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, the Dash8 was preferable however for comfort

[@bluebarron351]

Another great TR Paul! Looking forward to your thoughts on the 737s!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

cheers

[@CaptainAB]

Great work Paul! Love your channel, reviews are so detailed!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers mate - more coming

[@Snowfang00]

I didn’t know Rex made touchdowns between flights to drop off and pick up passengers. An interesting business concept but definitely effective.

[@james7149]

Great vlog as always Paul. It’s so interesting seeing those regional flights....Moruya Airport reminds me of our local at Devonport, small but everything thing you need, although, we don’t have the outdoor viewing area. I’ve been following the 737 introduction by REX, so looking forward to your report on the inaugural flight. I hope Qantas and REX can sort their route issues, we need them both really and as always it’s good to have competition. Here’s a laugh for you, I remember as a kid going to Essendon Airport (Melbourne)...I was lucky enough to see the time of transition from prop to jet. You could have a mixture of DC3’s, Convairs, Fokker F27, Viscounts, Electra’s and then 727’s, DC9’s...Essendon had a chain mesh fence viewing area right in front of departing aircraft...it was very personal waving family and friends off...however it got interesting as aircraft powered up to taxi out as there were no exhaust deflectors...you’d get a great blast, especially from the the turbo props and jets...ahh the good old days 😂

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers James. It would have been fascinating seeing so many aircraft types. I've never seen a 727 fly in the metal I'm afraid.

[@james7149]

@@PaulStewartAviation Ansett-ANA was first with TAA on their tail, they were the smaller 100 series...they were concerned about cracking the runway! They island hopped across the Pacific to get to Melbourne. In those early days the engines were not tuned so palls of thick black smoke came forth...unthinkable now😉 I think I’m reminded of my 66 year old age🙄

[@janamayer6619]

Omg my dad works there

[@daveu88sanderson8]

Hi Paul A great review, I love the turboprop aircraft, there is just something about the noise when they open the throttle to take off, it's great. Looking forward to your next review on Monday. Keep up the great reviews. Kind regards DS

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers mate, yep they feel like you're actually flying.

[@PabloVenutti]

I love saab 340. Greetings from Argentina 🙌🏼

[@santinomamone2674]

Hola Italo Argentiniano

[@artyjaycayairlines]

WHAT’S A saab???

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers, greetings from Down Under

[@artyjaycayairlines]

@@PaulStewartAviation am I in your country?

[@graemestokes249]

Great video Paul. Thanks. I always remember them as the plane that the propeller fell off.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers, yep that's it :)

[@jamessmith6402]

Excellent video 👍 thanks Paul

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers James

[@michelleyoung5541]

I found the plane pretty comfy really, much more so than a much large Jetstar flight a few years prior. Seat size was quite good I thought. I'd chosen seat 6A to avoid contact with others and for the extra legroom that seemed to be on offer going by the seating diagram but that was a waste ofmoney really, as the leg room was about the same for all seats. It was a bit gnarly in some bad crosswinds on my return trip though... something like a pigrooting horse lol.

[@anthonyjohn3202]

I am a trainee commercial pilot the ONLY aircraft I have ever been airsick on is one of these!!!

[@johndornoff]

Flown the Fokker F27 and Bombardier/De Havilland Q-400 but never one of the SAAB's. Was hoping to fly one that Silver Airways flies in Florida in October but did not end up going.

[@andrewdomaracki]

Love that cloudscape over Sydney. Nice 👍 flight review.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Cheers Andrew

[@debshipard1664]

Do the Whyalla to Adelaide route sometimes. They are noisy. Turbulence is intersting in them. Been on a few flights. Where the attendant has had to be in the seat belt the whole trip. All of 35 minutes! Great report again. Looking forward to the 737 report.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Will do

[@MeaHeaR]

This guy reminds me so much of the "Practical Engineering" inn bothé manner unt looks. I wonder if they related 😁😁😀👍👍👍

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Haha

[@karlp8484]

I remember the times in the 1990s on the East coast when tiny air operators like Hazelton and Aero Pelican still existed. In bad weather, you thought you might have that Patsy Kline / Bud Holley moment, but it was generally a lot of fun on planes that only seat 8 people.

[@Zayday1993]

Conceived in the 70s born in the 80s then her brother born in the 90s Saab 340 B

[@bugproductions9050]

Excellent work sir. Love it!.

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Thank you kindly!

[@MarkRobert-BKK]

Nice vid Paul! really hope that REX can survive Qantas's bullying tactics.

[@liamodonnell5399]

What is that cool little twin aeroplane with the red blue and white tail behind you at Moruya and again at Merimbula? Looks mad

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Good question and I'm afraid I don't know the answer. I'm pretty average with small planes.